Ockergelb

Ockergelb, or yellow ochre, is a warm, muted shade of yellow within the ochre family. It derives from natural earth pigments containing hydrated iron oxides and has been used for thousands of years in art, decoration, and, at times, cosmetics. The hue results from minerals such as goethite or limonite, with varying impurities that produce tones ranging from pale yellow to golden yellow and occasionally brown.

Raw ochre consists of iron oxide minerals mixed with clay and other earthly components. When the pigment is calcined (heated), it loses water and shifts toward a brighter, more orange-tinged yellow known as burnt or fired ochre. The exact shade depends on the mineral content and the firing conditions, including temperature and duration.

Historically, yellow ochre is among the most common pigments found in prehistoric cave paintings and in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artworks. It is valued for its relatively good lightfastness, natural earthy character, and versatility in mixtures. In modern times, yellow ochre remains a standard pigment in oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints, and it is also produced as a natural earth pigment or synthetically. In regulatory contexts, iron oxide pigments including ochre shades are identified under codes such as E172.

Color characteristics and usage: ochre yellow is associated with warmth, earthiness, and a natural, unobtrusive brightness. It is frequently used to evoke sunlight, desert landscapes, or aged materials and pairs well with blues and greens or with browns for cohesive, natural palettes. In design and fashion, it provides a timeless, versatile option for both traditional and contemporary contexts.